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Last week, we proudly celebrated the graduation of 36 students from HETI Higher Education’s mental health courses, marking an important milestone in their professional and personal journeys.
Held in Sydney, the graduation ceremony brought together students, educators, families and sector leaders, with NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM attending as a special guest and addressing the graduates.
The event acknowledged not just academic achievement, but also the deep commitment these graduates have made to advancing mental health care across NSW.
From psychiatrists and general practitioners to perinatal specialists and youth mental health professionals, each graduate brought their own reasons for undertaking further study and a shared drive to make a difference.
“I chose to study mental health to enhance the lives of older people that I work with,” one graduate shared. Others spoke about the importance of lifelong learning, career growth, and the opportunity to deepen their impact on the communities they serve.
For many, returning to study was both a professional step and a personal mission: “To be able to give back to community is really important, particularly in the area of mental health.”
The diversity of our graduates reflects the broad need for skilled mental health professionals across health settings. This year’s Academic Excellence Awards were presented to:
Their outstanding results reflect academic dedication and commitment to improving care for those they work with every day.
Dr Susan Grimes, Director of Mental Health and Higher Education at HETI, recognised the impact graduates are already having across the state, saying:
Students study with us because they have a passion to improve their own healthcare practice, and most importantly, to improve healthcare outcomes for those consumers and families that they work with."
The formalities were also a moment to reflect on how professional education continues to evolve alongside the needs of the sector. As Dr Rod McKay, Director Psychiatry and Mental Health Programs noted:
I'm sure what the students will bring is an enhanced ability to deliver mental health care as the community needs it and wants it, and more importantly, to keep improving that mental health care into the future.”
Across their studies, our graduates have explored a range of topics from managing anxiety in children and supporting parents in the perinatal period, to working with people with complex mental health conditions. Each course is designed to equip students with practical, real-world knowledge that they can apply immediately in their roles.
One graduate, who works in perinatal mental health, said:
“I just wanted better knowledge and career progression and to be able to give back to the women that I serve."
Another shared how the course gave her a stronger understanding of child and youth mental health:
“I wanted to expand my knowledge in this area, and the course gave me that opportunity.”
These stories remind us why HETI Higher Education exists, to support professionals who are driven to do more, learn more, and contribute more to the health and wellbeing of others.
Congratulations to the graduates of 2025. We’re proud to have been part of your journey and we’re excited to see what comes next.
Hear from our graduates and see moments from the day that celebrated their achievements and dedication to mental health care.
Watch the video
